Springtime Boat Preparation

Spring brings the warm weather and the annual task of preparing your boat for another season of fun filled carefree boating. Some attention and maintenance now could prevent some aggravation and down time during the peak of the season.

The following checklist will serve as a basic guide for performing the annual preparation on an outboard powered boat and trailer.

GENERAL

• Do a general all around inspection and cleaning of the deck, hull and topside using a mild detergent.
• Inspect and clear scuppers, garboard drain, other drains and bilge pump discharge.
• Apply a coat of good quality marine wax.
• Clean and polish all metal.
• Clean and inspect canvas, covers and bimini top.
• Clean and inspect bilges and through hull fittings.
• Check all fittings secure.
• Lubricate all hinges, latches, etc with the best
  corrosion inhibiting lubricant you can buy.

• Check for abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc.,
  and repair them.
• Check and replace zincs as needed.
• Check swim platform and ladder.
• Check transducers, pitot and through hull fittings.

BELOW DECKS

• Check and lubricate seacocks.
• Check all hoses and clamps.
• Check bilge pump and float switch operation.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• Check battery water level and recharge battery.
• Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate.
• Discard wing nuts and use lock nuts and washers
  on terminals.
• Inspect all wiring for corrosion and insulation
  damage.  Clean, repair or replace.
• Test gauges and all electrical/electronic equipment
  for proper operation.  Check for spare fuses.
• Inspect antennas.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

• Sound signaling device such as whistle or horn.
• Distress signals - hand held flares, smoke, aerial
  flares, etc.  Check expiration dates.
• Check life jackets and throwable rings, cushions, etc.
• Check fire extinguishers and recharge/replace if needed.
• Check first aid kit and replace any used supplies.
• Check compass and navigation lights.
• Check onboard toolbox to ensure the tools you may
  need are in it and stay there throughout the season.

ENGINES / FUEL SYSTEMS

• Change engine fuel filter and filter/ water separator element.
• Check and change engine zincs.
• Replace spark plugs.
• Check plug wires for wear and cracks.
• Change and fill lower unit gear lube.
• Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and connections for leaks.
• Lubricate and spray all moveable parts.
• Check prop for dings and bends.
• Check steering and control cables or power steering system and fluid.
• Check power trim and tilt system and fluid.
• Add a quality fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank.

TRAILER

• Pull wheels and inspect /repair brakes. Clean and
  inspect or replace wheel bearings.
  Repack bearings and hubs.
• Check rollers and pads.
• Clean, inspect and lubricate winch.
• Lubricate tongue jack and wheel.
• Test and repair all running lights.
• Check tires, check pressure and condition.
• Check safety chains and coupler condition.

It certainly can take some time -- and lots of elbow grease to keep your boat, motor and trailer in top operating condition.  But, it will keep you on your way to a safe, and hopefully, hassle-free boating season.  See you on the water!

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Now is the time to winterize your boat for the period of inactivity between now and next spring. The following list of items is intended as a basic guide to protect your boat from sitting idle during the cold, wet winter months.

• Completely wash and wax your boat, hull, deck, both inside and out.
• Remove all cushions, bolsters and other fabric type items if they can be removed. Store in garage. If not removable, wash and dry surfaces, leave a chemical dehumidifier or mildew inhibitor under the cover when stored.
• Remove your batteries and store in an area not subject to freezing. Leave batteries on a trickle charger. Clean battery posts and cable lugs and coat with a light coating of grease.
• Lubricate all Hatch/locker door hinges and latches. Leave doors open.
• Remove all drain plugs so any possible water accumulation will drain out.
• Remove all electronics and store in secure area.
• Cover boat with a cover that allows good ventilation and adjust to shed water/snow.

Fuel System

• Completely fill built-in fuel tanks and add a good fuel stabilizer such as "Store-n Start" or "Stabil". Run engine for 15 minutes in water or with a flushing attachment to fill fuel lines and carburetors with treated fuel.
• After adding stabilizer to portable tanks, run engine as above. Then remove portable fuel tanks from boat and drain fuel (Put fuel in car, lawn mower, snowblower, etc)
• Remove and replace all fuel filters.
• Check all fuel hoses and connectors, replace if worn or leaking.

Outboard Engine (Check owners manual for specific procedures and requirements)

• Fog Engine with a Fogging oil per manufacturers directions. This is usually accomplished by spraying in the carburetors while running and also by removing the spark plugs and spraying directly into the cylinders.
• Spray all surfaces under motor cover with a lubricant such as WD-40 or Corrosion Block, to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Install new spark plugs.
• Visually inspect all hardware, linkages and cables and replace/tighten if required.
• Apply grease to all grease fittings.
• Replace gear case lubricant.
• Lubricate and add fluids to power steering, and tilt and trim and trim tab units.
• Store motor in the down "run" position. Wash and wax exterior surfaces.

Trailer

• Repack wheel bearings
• Inspect and lubricate hitch coupler, rollers, tongue jack and winch.
• Inspect and repair lights.
• Inspect bunks

Remember the whole purpose of winterizing your boat is to eliminate or minimize problems found in the Spring which may delay the use of your boat or cost you money. Make a habit of checking twice a month to see that the cover is in place and that no water is accumulating, etc.

Each year that you own a boat you will probably be able to add to this list, items which you find need special attention during winterizing. If you have any additional helpful items on winterizing or caring for your boat, motor or trailer,  please send them to editor@fish4fun.com and we will share them with other readers.